The backing is based on a review of the application by engineering experts from FCC’s International Bureaus.

If approved, SpaceX will be the first US-based company to receive permission for providing broadband services using low-Earth orbit satellites.

“Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fibre-optic cables and cell towers do not reach.”

FCC previously approved requests by OneWeb, Space Norway, and Telesat to access the US market to provide broadband services using satellite technology that seeks to expand internet connectivity in remote and rural areas of the country.

“SpaceX’s application, along with those of other satellite companies seeking licenses or access to the US market for non-geostationary satellite orbit systems, involves one such innovation. Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fibre-optic cables and cell towers do not reach.

“And it can offer more competition where terrestrial internet access is already available.”

SpaceX has received the latest approval following the successful launch of its Falcon Heavy rocket into space last week.